How Los Angeles IT Services Experts Can Make Your Email HIPAA Compliant

How Los Angeles IT Services Experts Can Make Your Email HIPAA Compliant

The HIPAA ACT was established in 1996 to improve healthcare standards in the United States by requiring the protection of health information and the privacy of patients. Staying in HIPAA compliance is essential in keeping this information secure while also avoiding expensive fines that can ruin the reputation of your facility. Working with Los Angeles IT services professionals is helpful in making sure you stay HIPAA compliant in all areas of your business, such as sending emails regarding confidential information.

Here are a few ways that a managed service provider (MSP) can help you send emails while remaining in compliance with HIPAA laws.

Find a HIPAA Compliance Email Service

The first step in sending secure emails is to only use a HIPAA-compliant email service. For example, popular email providers aren't HIPAA compliant, whether it's Gmail, Yahoo, or Microsoft Outlook. Doing some research in advance is always important in helping you choose the best HIPAA-compliant email service provider that meets your needs. These providers will also need to sign a business associate agreement that highlights the responsibilities of the provider. A few examples of HIPAA compliance email providers include NeoCertified, VM Racks, MailHippo, and EmailPros.

Encryption Capabilities

Another key aspect of maintaining HIPAA compliance while sending out emails is to ensure that encryption is used to keep data secure. Proper encryption makes it nearly impossible for cybercriminals to intercept messages and learn the details of an email. Los Angeles IT services experts will work with your healthcare facility to ensure your email is encrypted. Risk assessments will also be conducted on a regular basis to identify any areas of vulnerabilities. These proactive IT services can make a big difference in keeping your emails safe and secure at all times.

Employee Awareness Training

Installing the latest cybersecurity tools to keep data safe isn't effective if employees aren't properly trained. A lack of employee training significantly raises the risk of malware or ransomware entering your network and causing havoc. These employees are also more likely to be the victim of phishing scams or social engineering schemes due to a lack of knowledge. An IT service provider will work with your employees on training them to recognize potential cyber-attacks. Enabling access controls is also important in keeping information secure and reducing the risk of a data breach.

Cybercriminals are always looking for innovative methods to steal data. Taking a proactive approach to data security is essential in today's age of digital threats. Vitalpoints offers IT services for a variety of businesses in Los Angeles. Reach out to us today to learn more about our services and to schedule a no-cost consultation!